Another Step Forward

Today marks another milestone in parenting. Hand in hand, Jonathon and I walked to school in order to attend Kindergarten round up.

Even though I have done this a time or two (or three or four), it doesn't make the realization that your baby is growing up any easier. Especially when it's your last baby.

Five years ago, I welcomed a tiny baby boy into my life. From that moment, my life has never been the same. Jonathon's start was difficult. He decided to come seven weeks early, was the only child of five to be born by c-section and spent two very long weeks in the RNICU. He was welcomed home by his four siblings, his father and myself. Our family was complete and life was full of joy.

As the years have passed by, Jonathon has grown into a handsome, intelligent, amazing five year old. I am so proud of him. It is difficult to watch someone who once depended upon you completely to become so independent. I suppose that is part of the reason that today is even more of an emotional milestone.

Today I let go ever so slightly and created a partnership with the staff of Jonathon's school. A partnership that will allow Jonathon to explore, grow, learn and become anything he desires. Congratulations Jonathon!

Trying to play catch up...

I have a million things on my mind right now and no "mental composure" to put it all into a well written post. Please excuse my *attempt* at playing catch up!

I want to wish our very good friends a Happy Anniversary (June 6th). May they have many years of marital bliss and fond memories ahead of them. (Oh yeah, and may I be the proud new "aunt" in the near future too!)

In other news:

I am now the mother of a 12 year old! *gulp* How in the world that happened, I have NO clue. I do have a Birthday post started but like everything else in life right now, it's not finished! *sigh* Jacob turned 12 on June 3rd. Of course, he already thinks he knows everything. Boy, we are just getting started!

Tim has received the official paperwork for the GM buyout program. I can't really comment any further on that whole mess because we haven't had the time to really sit down and discuss everything in detail.

The children are now enrolled in a new school district, effective Fall 2009. It's a change for all of us and one that came with much distress. I truly believe it is needed but I'm just having a hard time letting go of our "ties" to those that we have come to know and the friendships I have formed with the teachers of our school district. I promise to keep in touch with them because they truly have made a huge impact in the lives of our children as well as my own. *Big shout out to Mrs. A*

Work is busy. I've picked up extra hours, been training on another job, and then have third rides starting up again at the ambulance base next week. I have three nights in a row there and am hoping to "get my feet wet".

I've been doing much research on schooling for myself and still trying to figure out where I need to be. I know that it will all work out, in time, but I'm having a hard time seeing the light that is supposedly at the end of the tunnel. Have you ever had a flashlight that flickers when you shake it just right? That's what it feels like. A flicker of hope, only to have it get real dim and go out. I keep shaking it, hoping for it to stay on and guide my way but it's not working. I'm thinking I need a new flash light (aka, a new goal or path).

In two weeks, my youngest sibling and only brother will be married! I'm still wondering how all of those years passed by so quickly. I am so excited for him and his bride-to-be. I remember those months leading up to my own wedding nearly 14 years ago (wow). I wish them nothing but pure marital bliss. I do admit that I'm anxious to be an Aunt again. If and when they decide to expand their family, I am sure I will be on cloud 9. It has been many years since I have had a niece or nephew to "spoil" and enjoy. Not that I don't love every-single-one of my nieces and nephews now but they are just a tad bit too big to be bouncing around on my knee! :)

I've been spending so much time lately reflecting on my life and those that have had an impact on it through the years. We recently laid to rest my grandfather and the tenth anniversary of my other grandfathers passing was just days earlier. My heart has been heavy and quite sad as I think about the loss of both of them. I look back through the years and see how the loss has impacted not only me but the other family members as well. For some, it affected them much more than they will every be able to see. It is one of the worst things we must go through, losing a loved one. In the end; however, we must move on. We must find a way to cope with our loss and deal with our grief. Our loved ones would want us to move on and live life to the fullest. Unfortunately, grief has taken a hold on some and they have become "paralyzed" in every aspect of their life. It is quite sad to witness.

I am going to make a better attempt at updating more often. For now, I must go. I will try to upload some photos of things we have been up to lately. It's been a while since I've shared any photos.

Stay safe,
Much Love & Friendship,
Becky

Goodness Gracious

Could someone send me the Calagon?

This past week has kicked my butt. With the start of school for the kids, my EMT class and football, I'm exhusted.

The weekend went by way too fast with very little down time. Friday night was spent with the kids. The majority of Saturday morning until mid afternoon was spent at the Football games (and I have the sunburn to prove it!) And Sunday was spent doing homework, housework, and tending to other household issues. The few hours I did get away ended up coming to an abrupt halt when I received a phone call from the sitter. Jonathon is sick! He vomited Saturday night and has maintained a fever of 102-103.5 since. Poor guy.

Jacob came home from a friends house where he spent the weekend and is now complaining of stomach pains and feeling like he's going to be sick.

Oh, please....not already!! I'm not ready to deal with the all-winter-long-illnesses that spread from one person to another.

I guess it's time to up the Vit C and invest in more lysol wipes. Oh, how I hate this season!

Today, we put together the kids' projects. I'm not sure that the pictures will do it justice as I just placed the box on the scanner and am transferring it right on over. I don't have time to do any "work" with it as it's getting late and I need to be up earlier than normal tomorrow.

Emilee's had to be a cereal box "about her" and Katelyn's had to be a one sheet page for the cover of her writing journal. Here are Emilee's:

It was pretty easy to make and Emilee thinks hers is super cool! I'm just glad it all came together okay. Of course, her teacher will get a sneak peek at her homework before she turns it in but hey, at least she will see that it's finished! Right?

Katelyn's page just consists of her family & pets. She was happy with the way it turned out as well!

Time for bed! I hope your weekend was fantastic and full of fun. Until next time,
-B

Not the greatest

This weekend will have a post of it's own but tonight, I just can't get the words to flow out as I need to.

Today (Sunday) I did manage to get the four older kids most of their school supplies. They were thrilled to be able to go get a few things that they picked out themselves. I'm sure I don't need to remind anyone, especially those of you with children of your own, but holy cow school shopping is expensive! They each were allowed two new pair of tennis shoes (which some of them needed BADLY). They each were allowed to pick a few shirts and the boys, one pair of jeans each. They still have some jeans in pretty good shape so I wasn't buying all new things!

Not only is it expensive, but it's quite shocking as well. Please tell me that I am not the only parent who takes their child into a shoe store, has the clerk give us the shoe size we need and realize that they are currently wearing at least a size and a half smaller than what they should be. Anyone? Anyone else have this problem? *sigh* Hand me the parent of the year award, please!

And to top it off, I think my children have been eating Miracle Gro over the summer. Jacob, who I was assuming (yes, I know what happens when you assume) would wear a 10/12 shirt tried on a size EIGHTEEN and it fit! Not just one either. Several! Austin, the same thing. He is up from a 6/7 or 7/8 to a 10/12. Good Grief! They both were allowed to pick out new skibbies. Apparently one likes boxers, the other likes boxer briefs. So long are the whitey tideys and character underwear! No more briefs for these boys. They're turning into young men. After all, they will both be wearing deodorant now. *sigh*

The girls, I was a little luckier. They both can wear the same tops, anywhere from 6, 6x, 7/8. And the bottoms, 4's, 5's, and 6's. Usually Katelyn is in a 5 or 6 with Emilee being at the lower end. However, I found size 5T outfits today for under $9 that they BOTH fit into. It just depends on the style I guess. The girls picked out new socks and Momma picked out a new panty/bra set for Katelyn (two of them) and Emilee (one of them). They are more "tank top" style for Em. It's not that they really need them...but I can see it being an issue of need with Katelyn before the year is up. I figure if she is showing interest in it now, I'll go along with it. Did I mention Daddy didn't want to know anything about the undergarments for the girls?

So, I'm just up messing around due to another night of insomonia. I've tried counting sheep but for some reason, the snoring I hear from the other side of the room interrupts me and I am forced to start over. Or, I'm up hearing every other departments radio traffic except the one that matters! You know, our fire department. I wish that pager kept the hubby up all night like it does me. Maybe then he would have a little more sympathy for me. *cough, cough* We also have a moaning, groaning horse dog who must shift his body twelve different ways before he can finally plop down and rest. And then, he starts snoring. (Yes, I'm serious!) Or, better yet, he starts dreaming and soon begins yelping and scratching his feet. Tie all that in with the fact that I'm having difficulties falling asleep as it is and you have a real good case of insomonia. Now I understand why my grandparents always slept in different rooms.

I'm hearing my little man crying so I'm going to sign off and go snuggle with him for a bit. Talk to you all later.

Mission Accomplished

Good Morning!

Another successful morning here in the Household. It's 7:15 A.M. and the house is quiet.

Jonathon finally fell into a deep sleep shortly after my previous post. He must have needed that Motrin. At 2:30 A.M. I hit the pillow. The alarm sounded at six and at 7:13 the bus was Thankfully, it had four children (my three and a niece) on it as it pulled away since it showed up here ten minutes early. (children who were awake, fully dressed-including socks and shoes on the right feet, hair combed, a belly full of french toast, teeth brushed, and lunches in their backpacks). Heck, the kids were even outside waiting for the bus! They did so well getting ready this morning. I'm proud of them. I even helped Aus find a solid object to participate in his "Does it float" project at school. He is using a pair of dice. What's your prediction? Will they float?

So, since the house is still nice and quiet, I'm heading back to bed! Enjoy your day everyone. I'm sure I'll check back in this evening.